Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Witch hazel is a tall, deciduous shrub or small tree; growing to
a height of up to 15 feet, the stems and branches are covered with
scaly gray to light, brown bark. The alternate, elliptic to obovate
leaves are coarsely toothed and often are finely hairy on the veins
underneath. The fragrant, light yellow flowers have 4 strap-shaped
petals and grow in nodding, axillary clusters, blooming in autumn
when the leaves are falling. The fruit is a woody capsule which ejects
two shining black seeds when they ripen during the summer or autumn
following the flowers.

Another variety: The Chinese witch hazel (H. japonica), Chinese
name Chiu-lu-mei, does not seem to have been used medicinally in China.

Medicinal Properties

Biochemical Information

Legends, Myths and Stories

Witch hazel was first used, as far as we know, by the Native Americans.

The Native Americans watched for this plant to be in bloom; they
took it as an indication that the frost was entirely gone and they
might sow their corn. Also, it was a good spring herald for a good
horse race.

Many wells have been dug in this land where the witch hazel has indicated.
At one time, one would hear occasionally, of people making a business
of "water witching." Despite the unscientific concept, some folks
still swear by its many successes.

Witch hazel's name is thought to be derived from early American settlers
who used this plant's forked branches as a divining rod in their searches
for water or gold, just as the hazel's branches were used in England.
It is also possible that the name was transferred from the English
wych-hazel, or wych-elm, with its ultimate origin in the Old English
word wican, meaning "to yield". The reference, of course, would be
the springiness of the wood.

Twig tea was rubbed on athletes' legs to keep muscles limber, relieve
lameness, wounds, and swellings;
tea for bloody dysentery,
cholera, cough, and asthma.
Used externally for bruises and sore muscles, minor
pains, itching. Diluted with water or mixed with honey, the powder
may be topically applied as a dressing for burns, scalds, scrapes,
bruises, abrasions, and crushed toes and fingers. An effective wash
for sunburn, inflamed breasts,
and for various rashes. It is often used as an after-shave lotion.

How Sold

Over-the-counter products are available in every pharmacy. Bottled
witch-hazel water, widely available, is a steam distillate that does
not contain the astringent tannins of the shrub. Apply to irritated
areas several times a day.

Do not take internally witch hazel purchased at the drug store. It
contains an alcohol that is not intended for internal use.